State meteorologists are closely monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) located east of Mindanao that is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the weather disturbance, designated as LPA 01B, was last spotted about 755 kilometers east of Davao City early Wednesday.
Pagasa reported that the system is moving generally northwestward and is showing conditions favorable for further strengthening.
Forecasters said the LPA could pass near the eastern portions of the Visayas by Friday or Saturday, though its track remains uncertain.
A possible change in direction away from land has been noted, but weather officials cautioned that a landfall scenario cannot yet be ruled out.
It added that the trough associated with LPA 01B is expected to bring rains to parts of the Visayas and Mindanao on Wednesday.
Residents in affected areas were advised to monitor official weather bulletins as the system continues to evolve.
Should the LPA intensify into a tropical cyclone, Pagasa said it will be given the local name Ada.
